Buddhism

BUDDHISM By: Christian Torres, Breanna Edwards, Xavier Rivera

The life of a Buddha Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism was born in

the southwest region of what is now Nepal in the year of 563 B.C.E.

When he reached the age of 29, Siddhartha grew curious about whatever occurred out-side the palace walls. He ventured out of the palace 3 times, and on his final 4th venture he met an holy man whom inspired Siddhartha to search for the “antidote” to sorrow and pain.

Six years of his life were spent as an ascetic, however, as he neared starvation, he became determined to reach enlightenment, and began to meditate. Many temptations faced him, like rewards or even threats for punishment for his actions; which tested his concentration and fortitude.

General Belief Buddhism teaches to perform good and wholesome actions; avoiding

bad and/or harmful actions. This philosophy also is meant to purify and train the mind of its followers.

Doesn’t deny the existence of supernatural beings, its does not ascribe power for creation, salvation, nor the judgment towards them.

Five precepts are given as aids on the path to coming into contact with ultimate reality. They’re given as promises to oneself, not as commands.

To refrain from: Harming living creatures. Taking that which is not freely given. Sexual misconduct. Incorrect speech ( lying, harsh language, slander, idle chit-chat). Intoxicants which can lead to loss of mindfulness.

Branches

There are three main branches or practices which have their own point of view about Buddhism, they are named Nikaya, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.

Nikaya “Lesser Vehicle”

Nikaya (also called Hinayana), bases its practices and doctrine off of what are known as nikaya sutras; Buddhist literature.

This branch of Buddhism is mainly practiced today in Sri Lanka, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and portions of Vietnam and Malaysia.

This branch puts emphasis on universal compassion and selfless ideal of the bodhisattva; to achieve Buddhahood to then be of greatest benefit to other conscious beings.

It is practiced today in China, Japan, Korea, and most of Vietnam.

VAJRAYANA OR “DIAMOND

VEHICLE”

Vajrayana and Mahayana share basic concepts, however, this branch includes an array of spiritual techniques meant to enhance Buddhist practices. Which develops profoundly powerful states of concentration and awareness.

It’s practiced today in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, Kalmykia, and some areas of India.

Buddhism today Buddhism in its various forms remains

the most widespread of the ancient religions in east Asia where it has 300 million adherents.

The greatest concentration in the historic lands of Theravada Buddhism- Sri Lanka and the 3 countries, adjacent to each other are Burma, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Where Buddhism is practiced today Buddhist still practice in Mahayana regions

(China, Tibet, and Mongolia) have suffered greatly from the creed of communism.

The majority of Japan still practices various forms of Buddhism.

During the 20th century the faith has also begun to spread to entirely new regions.

There is now a significant minority of Buddhists in the United States and in Europe.

The four types of Buddhism There are four different types of Buddhism in

our world today. The first type is authentic Buddhism, the

education in understanding the true face of life was found by Shakyamuni Buddha.

The second type is the religious Buddhism. Buddhism was originally not a religion.

The four types of Buddhism The third type of Buddhism is the study of

the Buddha's teachings. Many universities today have courses on the study of Buddhist Sutras.

The fourth type we see in our world today is deviant and externalist Buddhism. If Buddhism is changed into a deviant and externalist path, using the weakness of the human nature to cheat and harm living beings; disturbing the peace and safety of the society, then this conversion of Buddhism has gone too far.

THE MAJOR TURNING POINTS IN BUDDHISM

Throughout the history of Buddhism there were many “complications”. Some of these incidents caused the religion to change in ways such as, how it is practiced, and the initial meaning of the culture.

When the Gupta Empire began to lose its power in (320-550 C.E.), the regional leaders preferred Hinduism rather than Buddhism.

When this happened, the followers of Buddhism were accepting and practicing Hinduism.

The merchants weren't receiving enough income to supported the Buddhist temples.

Work cited http://www.amtb.org.tw/E-BUD/releases/4kinds.htm http://www.paradisemoon.com/thai_main/Huahin/china_myth_thai_

gypsy/Buddhism_overvu.htm http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/plaintexthistories.asp?historyid=

ab77 http://www.buddhist-temples.com/history-of-buddhism.html